“The records are so old—
predating the American
Revolution—that
many have been lost or
destroyed by fire.”
were just beginning to migrate here despite all the
dangers.
Into this frontier came Andrew Montour, also known
as Henry. He was born in approximately 1720 to Madame
Catherine Montour (half French and half Algonquin
Indian) and Carondawanna (an Oneida war chief).
Completely fluent in five languages, including three
Indian languages (Lenape, Shawnee, and Iroquois)
plus English and French, Montour had lived in several
parts of Pennsylvania and had a reputation as a highly
skilled interpreter and negotiator. As such, he became
an important character in the history of the French and
Indian War. Siding with the British, during his military
life Montour served as an interpreter under George
Washington and General Braddock. His rank of major in
the British army earned him a 300-acre tract of land in
what is now Coraopolis and stretched across Montour
Creek into Robinson Township.
The name Montour is well-known to local residents.
Montour Run was one of the original borders of the
township as we know it today. The Montour Railroad
Artist’s rendering of Andrew Montour.
Reenactors present 21-gun salute at
new memorial.
thrived between 1877 and 1984, after
which the old railroad tracks became the
popular Montour Bike Trail. Montour
Junction, once a busy railroad hub, is
now the impressive 78-acre Montour
Junction Sports Complex. An island in
the Ohio River, first named Montour’s
Island and later called Davis Island, is said
by some to be Andrew Montour’s final
resting place. And of course, the area’s
ever-expanding school district is named
Montour. The name will live forever in
this area.
After the French and Indian War
project, work will begin in earnest on the
historical society’s biggest project yet—a
monument to the hundreds of locals who
fought in the American Civil War. That
project is expected to take two to three
years. ■
CARLYNTON-MONTOUR
❘
SPRING 2018
13